Couple sues Carpenter Reclamation for work injuries

CHARLESTON -- A Kanawha County couple is suing Carpenter Reclamation for injuries sustained at work.

West Virginia American Water Company, Terradon Corporation and Sam Cravens were also named as defendants in the suit.

In March 2011, the defendants engaged in a project laying water lines near or along Haynes Branch Road in Kanawha County, according to a complaint filed Feb. 6 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

Lionel G. Slater was employed by Carpenter Reclamation and was working as a laborer in assisting the placement of the water line near or along Haynes Branch Road.

While Slater was working in the trench where the water line was being placed, the trench collapsed on him and he was buried up to his neck, according to the suit.

Slater claims the defendants failed to initiate and maintain programs which provided for frequent and regular inspections of the job site , materials and equipment.

The defendants also failed to provide an adequate protective system, according to the suit.

Slater and his wife, Robin Slater, are seeking compensatory and punitive damages. They are being represented by Michael J. Del Giudice.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Louis H. Bloom.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 12-C-232